Groupe Circus Expands into Switzerland with Casino de Crans-Montana Acquisition

The celebrated French gaming enterprise, Groupe Circus, has broadened its reach into Switzerland by securing a dominant interest in the Casino de Crans-Montana. This calculated maneuver signifies the group’s initial foray into the Swiss gaming sector.

Groupe Circus, already a significant presence in the French casino realm with seven venues and a Parisian club, now commands a controlling 57.24% ownership in the Casino de Crans-Montana. The residual shares are retained by a consortium of local townships and the Espar Holding Group.

Situated amidst the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana is a renowned ski resort destination. Its casino, founded in 2000, enjoys a devoted patronage and provides an array of gaming choices, encompassing slot machines and table games. In 2019, the casino yielded roughly 15 million Swiss Francs in earnings.

This procurement mirrors a comparable action by Groupe Circus’ parent entity, the Belgian Ardent Group, which attained majority shareholder status in Casino Davos in October 2021. This recent acquisition further cements the group’s expanding foothold within the Swiss gaming market.

Sébastien Leclercq, National Director of Groupe Circus, conveyed his excitement regarding the acquisition, remarking, “We are pleased to declare the acquisition of a stake in the Casino de Crans-Montana, an exceptional establishment that has cultivated a robust standing and a faithful clientele throughout the years.”

This agreement is a significant victory for Ardent Group. It demonstrates their commitment to establishing themselves as a prominent player in the casino and gaming industry, particularly with their Circus brand.”

“This strategic maneuver strengthens their presence in the Swiss market. By leveraging the Gaming1 technology from Circus Casino France, they aspire to provide Swiss players with a comprehensive gaming experience through Circus.ch.”